Shantanu Naidu, born in 1993 in Pune, Maharashtra, is an Indian engineer, entrepreneur, social activist, and business executive. He is renowned for his close association with Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group. Naidu's journey is a testament to innovation, compassion, and dedication.
In 2010, Shantanu Naidu enrolled at Savitribai Phule Pune University to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, graduating with distinction in 2014. During his tenure at Tata Elxsi as a design engineer, he was deeply moved by the plight of street dogs falling victim to vehicular accidents at night. This empathy led him to design glow-in-the-dark collars, resulting in the founding of Motopaws in 2015. This initiative not only provided safety for stray dogs but also raised awareness about animal rights across multiple cities and countries.
Seeking to further his education, Shantanu Naidu pursued an MBA at Cornell University's Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management between 2016 and 2018. His academic excellence earned him the Hemmeter Entrepreneurship Award and victory in the Johnson Leadership Case Competition. Notably, Ratan Tata attended Naidu's graduation ceremony, underscoring their unique bond.
Upon returning to India, Shantanu Naidu joined Tata Trusts as a deputy general manager in 2018, serving as an advisor to Ratan Tata on business matters. Their relationship transcended professional boundaries, with Naidu assisting Tata in navigating social media platforms and trends. In 2021, Naidu authored "I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata," offering readers an intimate glimpse into their friendship.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Shantanu Naidu founded On Your Sparks in 2020, aiming to mentor young entrepreneurs. In 2022, he launched The Goodfellows, an organisation dedicated to combating loneliness among senior citizens by providing companionship, reflecting his commitment to social causes.
Following Ratan Tata's passing in October 2024, Shantanu Naidu paid a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, expressing profound grief and gratitude for their shared journey. Continuing his mission to foster community and learning, Naidu expanded "Bookies," a reading community initiative, to Jaipur in December 2024, encouraging individuals to rediscover the joy of reading.
Shantanu Naidu's multifaceted endeavours highlight his dedication to societal betterment, innovation, and the enduring impact of mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how compassion and determination can drive meaningful change.